James LaVerne Nickles

December 3, 1941 - June 14, 2014

JAMES LAVERNE NICKLES

James "Jim" Nickles, 72, died June 14, 2014 from complications following surgery. He was born in Los Angeles, CA and grew up in Missouri and Iowa. Jim is survived by his wife of 25 years, Bronwyn Bothfeld Nickles, his son and daughter-in-law, Rob and Magen Nickles; his brother-in-law Bob (Susan) Bothfeld; his sister-in-law, Holly (Terry) Miller; nieces Stephanie (Rob) Maldonado, and Heidi (Matt) Senulis; nephews Matthew Bothfeld and Terry (Lauren) Miller, Jr.Jim joined the Marine Corps right after high school and served in Vietnam and Laos. He received his undergraduate and master's degree from Montana State University in Billings and his Ed.D. from the University of Northern Colorado in Greely. Jim went on to teach students with special needs in Montana, Colorado, and Pensacola. He also taught at Troy University and the University of South Alabama before becoming Director of Disability Support Services at Pensacola Junior College in 1993. Jim retired from PJC in 2008.Jim was an Elder at First Presbyterian Church where he taught mid & senior highs, and coached basketball. He was currently a member of Gulf Breeze Presbyterian Church. Jim loved to travel, complete crossword puzzles and spend time with his dog, Sophie. Whether it was fishing and relaxing at his retreat with his Cold Creek Lake buddies in Alabama or with family in Cabot, VT, Jim was especially fond of time spent with family and friends. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and friend with a big heart and passion to help others. The family would like to thank the hospital staff at Sacred Heart, West Florida, and Select Specialty Hospitals for their compassion and care during Jim's illness. A Memorial Service with a reception following will be held at Gulf Breeze Presbyterian Church, Thursday, June 19, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel is entrusted with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Humane Society or charity of your choice.